Former Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceausescu lived the high life on the backs of common citizens.
Having been the Romanian head of state for over two decades, before his regime collapsed and he and his wife were shot by a firing squad in 1989, Ceausescu gathered an impressive amount of goods, some of which were auctioned by the Government in 1999, including this classic Mercedes-Benz SL 350, which was driven for just 4,038 km (2,509 miles).
Eight years later, in the possession of its new owner, the odometer indicated 17,500 km (10,874 miles), but since 2007, it hasn’t been driven at all, even though its current condition allows it.
The car underwent a thorough service with original parts by a classic Mercedes-Benz specialist, and remarkably, it still has its original tires from 1973. Reminding its owner that this isn’t an ordinary classic SL are the two radios, a Becker Mexico radio in the center console and a Becker short-wave in the glovebox, installed by the secret police of the time. Accompanying the roadster is an auction certificate, issued by the Romanian government and local registration papers.
At Bonhams Auctions last weekend, it sold for €49,450 (equal to $55,720). The car was bought by a collector who wished to remain anonymous. All proceeds will benefit a local charity, whose work has expanded further into Eastern Europe and West Africa.
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